Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has delivered numerous timeless chartbusters throughout his illustrious career. However, the celebrated track Khaike Paan Banaras Wala from the hit action thriller movie Don remains uniquely memorable among fans. Sung by the iconic playback singer Kishore Kumar, this classic track continues to enjoy immense popularity. Behind the vibrant onscreen energy of this legendary song lies a painful shooting experience that Big B himself once shared.
Sore Mouth During the Multi-Day Shoot
To capture the authentic feel required for the sequence, Amitabh Bachchan was required to eat real paan during the filming. Achieving the perfect shot called for giving 3 to 4 retakes, extending the song's production across 3 to 4 days. Consuming paan packed with lime and catechu repeatedly over several days severely chafed the inside of his mouth, causing an intense burning sensation and severe discomfort throughout the process.
A Painful Effort That Created a Blockbuster
Despite experiencing continuous physical pain and burning in his mouth, Amitabh Bachchan thoroughly enjoyed performing for this lively composition. He recalled that the engaging rhythm of the track made the challenging experience memorable and fun. His dedication paid off handsomely as the song turned into an instant blockbuster upon release. The timeless popularity of the original performance eventually led to a movie remake in later years, yet Big B's classic rendition remains unmatched in Indian cinema history.
